Netgear announces the first 802.11ac WiFi router

Netgear's R6300 WiFi router uses Broadcom's 802.11ac chip, which can provide 1.3Gbit/s bandwidth on the 5GHz WiFi frequency band, dropping to 450Mbit/s on the 2.4GHz band. The firm said its R6300 router supports 802.11a/b/g/n standards, meaning existing equipment will work with the device.

Netgear has come out early with its R6300 WiFi router, as the IEEE has yet to certify the standard. While Netgear claims impressive bandwidth for its router, users will need supporting 802.11ac adaptors, which are all but impossible to find.

David Henry, VP of product management for retail products at Netgear said 802.11ac products will be coming out during 2012. "Netgear's leadership in the industry, and collaboration with Broadcom to introduce the first 802.11ac router, will future proof your network by ensuring your home is capable of supporting new faster 802.11ac devices as they begin to roll out this year."

Although Netgear promotes the wireless bandwidth afforded to the R6300 thanks to Broadcom's 802.11ac chip, the unit has four gigabit LAN Ethernet ports and one for the internet connection. The firm has also included two USB ports to connect hard drives and printers.

Netgear said its R6300 WiFi router will be on sale in May with a US price tag of $200. µ